Need A Bail Bond? 4 Ways To Choose The Right Company
If someone you know has been arrested, and you want to get them out of jail, in most cases, you can do so by paying their bail. To pay their bail, you are going to need to work with a bail bond company.
Way #1: Look for a Company with Fair Fees
When you work with a bail bond company, you will have to pay them some fees. However, the fees are only a small amount of the total bail. The exact percentage depends upon the state that you live in, as most states have rules that govern how much a bail bond company can charge you.
As a general rule of thumb, you will not be charged more than about ten percent of the bail amount for the bail bond fee. Ask the company what their fee is, and then verify online what fee they are allowed to charge you in your state. This fee is non-refundable and pays the bail company for its services. This fee will get the bail company to pay the remaining bail necessary to get your loved one out of jail.
Way #2: Work with An Attorney
Second, it can be smart to start working with a defense attorney. If you retain a defense attorney, they may have a partnership with a bail bond company. That partnership can allow you to enjoy a reduced fee with the bail bond company. If you need a defense attorney, it can be helpful to retain one first so that you can enjoy a discount on the bail amount. When hiring a defense attorney, be sure to look for one from a reputable firm to defend you.
Way #3: Wait for the Arraignment
Although you can pay the bail amount before the arraignment, it is often a better idea to wait until the arraignment hearing. If you have hired a defense attorney, they can ask the judge to release your loved one on their own recognizance. You may also get the judge to agree to lower the bail fees. Even if the court uses a bail schedule, an individual judge could still make a decision to lower the bail fees, especially if the attorney can argue that this would not cause harm.
When it comes to getting your loved one out of jail, look for a bail company that only charges the state-allowed bail fees. Then, work with a defense attorney and see if you can access a discount on a bail bond company. Additionally, you may want to wait for an arraignment, where the fee could be lowered or waived.